Ethics

Final Paper (Course Version 20.005)

The student is expected to turn in a 10–15 page paper by the last class, in which the ethical and technical issues of a problem are analyzed. This project is a chance for you to explore in greater depth a subject in biological engineering of particular interest to you that has ethical implications. We are open to any subject that relates to bioengineering and ethics, but some possible general topics include exploring the ethics of Crispr/Cas-9, cloning, stem cell research, human testing, GMOs, or human-animal hybrids.

Weekly Writing Assignments

Each week starting the second week of class, students must answer each of the study questions in a paragraph or so in the body of an email.

Final Communication Project

Media Option: Students who choose this option will create a pamphlet, lesson plan, wiki, blog or webpage in which they (a) introduce a moral question concerning food choices or food policy, (b) provide material that presents arguments on different sides of the issue, (c) outline the arguments on each side in their strongest (most plausible) form and (d) give a brief evaluation of the arguments and draws conclusions, where possible. (If a lesson plan, the product should also include an activity that will prompt reflection or discussion.) The product should also provide information about where to find more information on the topic.

Final paper

Option A: Option A: Expansion of paper 2. Based on feedback on paper 2, you will develop your argument in paper 3 (2500 words (10 pages)).

Option B: Option B: New paper. You will write on a topic that you pose. Please use the same topic proposal form that was distributed for paper 2. 1250 words (5 pages).

Paper 2

Paper 2 (1250 words (5 pages)): You have a choice of writing on topics distributed in class or on a topic you pose (original paper topics must be approved in advance). 

 

Paper 1

Write a 5-page (1250 word) argumentative essay on one of the following topics. Note that your paper must articulate a thesis in response to the topic and defend the thesis with argument(s). At the top of the first page of your paper – above your title (if you have one) and your first paragraph – please state your thesis in bold. This is the claim that you are arguing for in the rest of your paper. (You should also state the thesis in the body of your text.)

 

Assignment 5: Personal Reflection

Please write 250-500 words (total) addressing the questions below.

  1. Please describe one idea you encountered during this course that you found powerful.
  2. Please critically reflect on the idea in your own terms. What makes it powerful or meaningful to you? How is it related to things you had thought before taking the course? How does it connect (or disconnect) with ideas that you take to be common or popular?
  3. Is there any way in which the course has affected your actions and choices (note that “not at all” is an option!)? Do you think any of the arguments should prompt you to change your actions, even you aren’t inclined to change? Are there ways they may change your actions in the future? (Why or why not?)

Assignment 4: Food for Free

Please write 250-500 words (total) on the following questions.

Please go to Food for Free and have a look at the 2016 report on hunger in Massachusetts and write a reflection answering the questions above with respect to what you learned from these resources about Food for Free’s work.

  1. Please describe one idea that you found powerful. What message did you get from it?
  2. Please critically reflect on the message in your own terms. Do you see connections with readings we have done so far on food justice, food security, food sovereignty, the social meaning of food/water, capitalism, labor justice, waste, industrial agriculture?
  3. If you were to teach someone something you learned from the presentation, what would you tell them?

Assignment 3: Activism

Please read Brian Martin, “Activism, Social and Political.” and reflect on the question: do we all have a moral responsibility to be engaged in activism in the current social context, (and if not all, then who)? You may consider activism on any topic, e.g., food security, animal welfare, LGBTQ rights, feminism, antiracism, smaller government, pro-life, pro-choice, prayer in public schools, or any other topic that matters to you.

 

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